Sedona

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Day Six Grand Canyon Trip

 

This morning we drove up to the Sedona Airport for breakfast and a panoramic look at the whole valley. It’s one of the few places where you get the full Sedona skyline without breaking a sweat. Sunset is the most popular hour, but we’ve heard it becomes a packed spectacle. Morning, though—that’s the sweet spot.

 

From our hotel it’s only about 2½ miles to the airport, but the road climbs 500 feet in a single mile—so, yes, it’s a haul. We drove up and parked in the upper lot by the Mesa Grill so we could soak in the views first, then wander in for breakfast.

 

We walked across the road to an overlook with classic 360‑degree postcard views—the kind that make people stop mid‑stride and let out an “ahhh.” After Jay takes a million photos—because that’s what everyone does now, just keep shooting and sort it out later—we head for the Airport Mesa Grill for coffee and breakfast. We grabbed a table on the patio and watched little planes drift in and out of the airport. It feels like you’re sitting on a balcony above the world — red rocks in every direction, the soft buzz of takeoffs just beyond the railing. Pure Sedona, and yes, we were fully in vacation mode.

 

Sedona Airport holds a special place in Jay’s memory. In his 20’s as a firefighter in El Cajon he worked his days off at Gillespie airfield as a pilot/flight instructor and occasionally flew passengers for hire. On one flight, the passenger became aggressive, pointed a gun at Jay and insisted on a change in destination. The passenger forced Jay to land at Needles airport near the Colorado river. Jay exited the plane and the passenger took off with the plane in an easterly direction. Jay knew there was a federal Flight Service Station at the opposite end of the field. He ran the mile and burst into the office, out of breath, startling the officials and described his experience and the operators put out an APB to all airports and law enforcement agencies within 1,000 miles and a deputy sheriff in Sedona captured the plane and pilot when he landed there.

 

After we got back to the hotel, we wandered over to lounge by the pool. Since our place is on the smaller side, we’re allowed to use the pool next door at the upscale Los Abrigados Hilton — just a two‑minute stroll from our room. Plenty of people go there for the whole luxury‑spa‑day experience, but for us, a simple dip was the perfect cool‑down. Turns out the pool is salt water — supposedly healthier, though it’s never been my favorite. No matter what anyone claims, salt water always stings my eyes.

 

After washing off the salt water, we wandered over to Oak Creek Brewery & Grill for their infamous happy hour. The place was loud and loose, full of people. This spot is known for its Seven Dwarf shots, everything from Doc (fruit punch) to Grumpy (Gold schlager with a graham‑cracker rim) to Happy (chocolate and caramel vodka).  The folks here looked like they’d already sampled a dwarf or two.

I stayed loyal to my six‑dollar wine, though I’d absolutely try the Happy shot if it were after dinner.

 

When the sun finally slid behind the red rocks, we made our way to El Rincón, a Mexican restaurant that has a quiet serene courtyard. It was a nice way to end our day and our trip. Thank you for coming along.

 

Tomorrow, we head home to our cat, who will pretend she didn’t even notice we were gone.

 

Sedona AZ

Dear Blog

 

Day Five Grand Canyon Trip

 

 

This morning we decided to stick with two easy walks right in Sedona. There are countless hiking options in the area, but we didn’t feel like moving the car, fighting for parking, or tackling anything strenuous — especially with temperatures heading into the high‑80s before noon.

 

Our first walk was the Los Abrigados walking route. It’s a gentle, scenic, creek side stroll that winds through landscaped paths, small bridges, and shaded areas along Oak Creek. It connects the resort area to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and offers pretty red‑rock glimpses without feeling like a wilderness hike. It’s about a half‑mile and very peaceful.

 

The second walk was the Sedona Outlook Trail. This one is also about a half‑mile — a short, gently sloping path that leads to a wide, open overlook with sweeping views of Sedona’s major rock formations. It’s the kind of spot where people pause to take photos, breathe in the air, and just soak in the panorama. A friend suggested the Pink Jeep Tour so we strolled over to check it out but the moment we saw a jeep pulling out stuffed with eight people on bench seats, we opted out, anticipating 94 degree heat played heavily in that decision.

 

In the afternoon we did some winetasting.  We walked to the Art of Wine. It is said to be a trendy and lively place, but we wound up being the only ones there. The Sommelier instantly felt like an old friend sharing her travel stories with us. We ended up staying two hours.

 

In Sedona you’re never short on dinner options, but we decided to try our luck at Hideaway House. Since it was Father’s Day, we headed over early. The restaurant sits on a hillside with big open‑air patios that look straight out toward the red rocks — not a dramatic cliff‑top view, but something more intimate, cozy, and close to the canyon walls. We managed to snag a patio table around 5pm, just as the warm canyon glow started settling in. Sunset hits around 6:30, so the timing was perfect for those soft golden views Sedona does so well.

 

The menu at Hideaway House leans into comfort‑forward Italian with a home‑style twist — fresh‑made breads, hearty pastas, vibrant salads, and creative specialty pizzas, all served with those relaxed Sedona views. But honestly, we realized we didn’t need the whole menu. We decided to share the Garlic Cheese Bread Blossom, the meatballs, and a glass of red wine — and that was perfect. The bread blossom comes out as a warm, fresh‑baked loaf packed with garlic, melted mozzarella, and parmesan, served with their house‑made marinara for dipping. The meatballs were juicy, tender, and cheesy, exactly the kind of comfort food that fits the setting. That’s it.

 

Tomorrow it’s supposed to hit 97 degrees so the odds of doing a lot of walking are slim. We’ll probably hit the pool instead.

Grand Canyon

Dear Blog

 

Day Four Grand Canyon Trip

 

This morning we left Williams and headed for Sedona, a place we’ve heard about for years but never seen for ourselves. We’d hoped to take the scenic AZ 89A drive through Oak Creek Canyon, often called one of the Southwest’s most beautiful routes, but with construction and rockfall repairs the two‑lane highway was closed so we had to go back toward Flagstaff and then down I‑17 to Sedona.

 

Jay was disappointed; he’s flown over the canyon many times and remembers how stunning it looks from above. I looked forward to it too although I’ll admit, part of me felt that familiar flutter of nerves. I’ve been on enough narrow mountain roads in Greece and Africa to know that “scenic” can also mean “white‑knuckle.” Gorgeous, yes—but when you’re the passenger staring straight down a canyon wall, hoping no one comes around a blind curve too fast, it’s hard to fully relax and enjoy the view.

 

We decided to stop at a winery before checking into our hotel in Sedona, since check‑in times these days are rarely early, especially during peak tourist season when rooms take longer to turn over. DA Ranch Winery, just about twenty minutes outside Sedona, made for an easy and perfectly relaxing first stop. The “DA” stands for Delta Alpha, a nod to the original cattle bred on the ranch back in the 1800s. Today, the property operates as an estate winery, meaning every grape is grown right on their own land and they handle the entire winemaking and bottling process themselves. They proudly highlight how this approach gives their wines a consistent Verde Valley character—ripe fruit, warm‑climate aromatics, and bold, expressive reds.

 

DA Ranch felt laid‑back. Wide green lawns stretch beneath towering cottonwoods, and the vineyards roll gently toward the red rock hills. The historic ranch buildings and quiet pond give the place a warm, rustic charm. And of course, the wandering goats add a playful touch. This reminded us of our favorite winery ever... Goats Do Roam in Paarl, South Africa where we sat outside on the patio and sampled wine and cheese while watching the goats roam, climb, or nap around us.

 

The moment we arrived, the whole place was alive — a fishing derby on one side, live music drifting through the air, a food truck parked nearby, and wine tasting everywhere you turned. They were also running an Arizona‑style event called the Cottontail Cotton Candy Experience. We watched the cotton candy being spun like magic and tried wild flavors like whiskey‑inspired and Earl Grey. Forget that cotton candy is basically pure sugar with artificial dyes and zero nutritional value. It doesn’t matter — the fun was the point.

 

Once the sugar rush hit, we made our way to our hotel in Sedona. At our hotel El Portal we reserved the Garden room. El Portal is an adobe boutique hotel in Sedona that feels more like a private, arts‑and‑crafts–style residence than a traditional hotel. It’s known for its warm Southwestern architecture and courtyard gardens. Of course, the best part is 2-minute walk to Tlaquepaque (Tiock-a pock-ee) an artsy little shopping village packed with Mexican charm, fountains, courtyards, upscale boutiques, restaurants, jewelry and boho clothes; all the unique gifts you don’t need, until you see them and suddenly you can’t leave without.

It’s Saturday night and the place is jam-packed and 93 degrees. Too hot for a full meal but not too hot for Oak Creek Brewery’s famous fries and trio of sauces, horseradish, chipotle ranch and ketchup. I mean, what else do you need?

Tomorrow we will explore some of the local trails.

Grand Canyon

 

Dear Blog

 

Day Three Grand Canyon Trip

 

The train station sits right across the street from our hotel, the Grand Canyon Hotel, so we packed our daypacks and simply strolled over with our tickets in hand. After checking in, we were encouraged to watch the “gunfight at the OK Corral.” It was a little hokey, but honestly kind of fun — and once the “bad guy” dramatically hit the dirt, it was time to board.

 

Our train pulled out at 9:30 a.m. for the hour‑and‑45‑minute ride to the South Rim. We splurged on the pricer tickets after doing some research; people kept saying the upgrade was worth it for the parlor car’s big windows, comfortable seating, its own bar, and access to the private outdoor platform. Reviewers also mentioned that because it’s adults‑only, the atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed — and I believe it. Watching the crowds of families lining up for the Pullman and Coach cars made me grateful for our choice.

 

Once we reached the South Rim, we had about three and a half hours to explore. We decided to wander along the Rim Trail toward Mather Point, which offers those big WOW, postcard‑perfect panoramic views. The trail is mostly paved, mostly flat, and hugs the canyon’s edge for miles. There’s a shuttle that continues past Mather Point to additional viewpoints, but we wanted to stretch our legs, breathe the air, and take in the scenery at our own pace. With the temperature hovering around 85 degrees, we weren’t looking for anything strenuous, just an easy, relaxing stroll. Yes, there were plenty of tourists snapping pictures—honestly, too many pictures in my opinion. Photos are great, but it’s also nice to put the phone down and simply take in the view.

 

On the walk back, we stopped at El Tovar, the rim‑side historic lodge with big windows, classic Southwestern charm, and its famously excellent Bloody Mary’s. The drink is iconic because it brings together everything that makes El Tovar special: a well‑made, no‑nonsense Bloody Mary, a legendary national‑park lodge, and a world‑class canyon view just steps away. It’s not just a cocktail — it’s part of the Grand Canyon experience. Travelers have been coming to El Tovar for more than a century, and ordering a Bloody Mary has become a tradition, the same way a mint julep belongs at Churchill Downs or a Mai tai belongs at the Royal Hawaiian. People recommend it because it feels like something you’re simply meant to do at the canyon. They didn’t exactly have to twist our arms.

 

 

 

The afternoon flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to board the train for our ride back to Williams. We already knew a “train robbery” was coming—we’d seen plenty of YouTube videos ahead of time—so we were ready for the show. It doesn’t matter what class you’re in; those “robbers” make their rounds and ask for money. It’s all part of the performance, of course, and people happily handed over a few dollars. It’s pretty clear that’s how the actors earn their tips, and honestly, they deserve it for putting on such an entertaining show.

 

Once we were back in Williams, it was time to grab a taco. We headed straight to El Corral, a long‑standing Mexican restaurant right on historic Route 66. It’s well known among both tourists and locals for its tacos, enchiladas, and big combo plates. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and it’s easily one of the most consistently recommended spots in town. We both decided to try the tamarind margarita. Tamarind is a sweet‑tart fruit, and the drink usually comes with a rim dipped in chile‑lime seasoning like Tajín for a little kick. It still has the classic margarita base—tequila, lime, and orange liqueur—but the tamarind adds a sweet‑tart, slightly earthy flavor that’s surprisingly refreshing. It turned out to be a great choice.

 

So, How was the Grand Canyon? “GRAND!”

 

How was the train? “Whew, Whew!”

 

How were the Tacos? “Olay, Olay!”

Grand Canyon Day 2

Dear Blog

 

Day Two Grand Canyon Trip

 

In the morning, we head out to Williams — about 35 miles on I‑40. It’s an easy, scenic drive with ponderosa pines and big open skies. I-40  skips the real Route 66 and Bellemont, where Easy Rider fans stop for a photo op of the Pine Breeze Inn — the spot where Wyatt and Billy get hit with the “NO VACANCY” sign.

Jay and I aren’t huge Easy Rider movie buffs so, like the movie, we just keep rolling on our own terms.

 

Williams, Arizona may be best known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, but it also boasts a wonderfully preserved stretch of Route 66 — six blocks lined with diners, saloons, motor lodges, quirky shops, small museums with pure 1950s charm. After checking into the Grand Canyon Hotel for our two‑night stay, we headed out for a relaxed stroll. No ghost hunts this time; just soaking in the Americana and the shops that give this town its own unmistakable character. And yes, they’re stocked with all the classics: kitschy Route 66 souvenirs, southwest crafts, western gear, and vintage odds and ends people tossed decades ago but now absolutely need for their collections.

 

We’re not big souvenir people, maybe we’ll grab a T‑shirt now and then. One, it proves to our friends we actually went somewhere and two, sometimes we just need something clean to wear before laundry day becomes real. Still, wandering through the shops is fun. Call it browsing, but really, it’s a mini sensory adventure: textures, colors, and all the novelty goods that proudly show off a town’s personality.

 

Some of these little shops are packed full of oddball, quirky stuff that make Williams… well, Williams. You’ll even find bison jerky proudly bragging that it’s “sweeter and a bit firmer” than Link’s beef jerky, as if that difference is about to convince you to buy a whole bag. Then you drift into the gem shops, where “special” stones—fluorite, calcite, —light up under a black light if you happen to own a black light.. And of course, there are the plaster mountain‑lion, elk, and black‑bear footprints—perfect for giving your porch a reminder that we’re not the only ones using the porch. And if you have a sweet tooth, Williams sweets are their own adventure: jalapeño or sassafras taffy and prickly‑pear everything jelly, syrup, candy, lemonade and truffles. Prickly pear comes from a cactus fruit and is said to taste like watermelon.

 

And tucked among all that, you’ll find the railroad memorabilia—spikes, replica tickets, bits of metal art. This makes me think of my older brother, who used to pay me and my brother Mike a nickel for every stray piece of metal we found while walking the train tracks in south Sacramento. We’d come back with pockets full of random treasures that had rattled loose from passing trains. He was both a railroad engineer and an artist, so those scraps didn’t stay scraps for long, they became metal wall art. I still remember one piece making its way into an art gallery in Oak Park, in Sacramento glowing under the lights like it had always been meant for a wall instead of a rail yard.

 

Jay loved Pete’s Gas Station Museum. The place began as an old Texaco station, and stepping inside sent him straight back to the days when he always had grease on his hands and an old Ford sitting in the driveway. He and his buddies spent whole afternoons swapping engines, wrestling with transmissions, and learning everything by trial and error — because that’s just what kids did then. Cars meant freedom, pride, and growing up. Walking into Pete’s, surrounded by classic mid‑century cars, vintage pumps, old oil cans, and the same tools he once used, stirred up some of his favorite memories.

 

That evening we had several recommended restaurants, but we ended up choosing Rod’s Steak House, the one I’d read about in the AAA magazine. They’ve been serving since 1946, which felt like a reasonable enough credential to go on. Their motto, “pull up a chair and dig in,” matched the place: straightforward, no frills. A solid spot for a Rib Eye, and their specialty cocktail, the Cactus Fires—a jalapeño‑infused pineapple margarita— The sweet–heat contrast makes it a star.

 

After dark, Williams takes on its neon look. Red, blue, and green signs switch on along Route 66, casting steady light across the street. There’s a faint buzzing from the old tubes, not loud, just constant. It gives the town a kind of low-level background hum that fits the place.

 

Tomorrow is the big event: the train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon. Yippee‑I‑A indeed.

 

Grand Canyon

Dear Blog

 

Day One - Our Grand Canyon Trip

 

After hitting 125 countries, we finally decided to check out one of the world’s wonders that’s been sitting ridiculously close to home this whole time — the Grand Canyon. We’ve flown over it countless times, but this is our first time actually stopping to admire it like responsible adults. And before you ask: no, we are not riding mules. People call it a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience,” but at our age, we prefer experiences that don’t involve handing our lives over to a moody, long‑eared animal. Yes, I know mules are basically geniuses compared to horses, but if Jay didn’t enjoy riding a horse in Africa — on flat ground — I’m pretty sure a vertical drop on a mule isn’t going to be his thing. So we’re taking the train. Smooth. Scenic.

 

The trip kicked off with a Reno–Phoenix flight and a quick connection to Flagstaff. We picked up a rental car and were at our downtown hotel in about ten minutes — right on old Route 66. That whole stretch still feels frozen in time, with glowing neon motel signs, classic diners, and a dusty Old West vibe that refuses to fade.

And get this: Route 66 turns 100 this year. I had no idea until I actually opened our AAA magazine instead of tossing it. The cover was all about the centennial — 100 years of Route 66 “Get Your Kicks on the Mother Road.”

 

Flagstaff feels like a town with two personalities. On one hand, it’s surrounded by stunning scenery — the Grand Canyon and Sedona are practically neighbors — and at 7,000 feet, the elevation shapes everything. Summers stay mild, winters are long and snowy, and the thin air plus intense sun take some getting used to.

But the other side of Flagstaff is less romantic. The cost of living is high, and everyday expenses stack up fast. Its proximity to world‑famous landscapes brings a steady stream of tourists, especially hikers and climbers. And as someone who battled allergies in both Sacramento and San Diego, I can confirm Flagstaff’s tree pollen is no joke. Good thing I packed the Allerest.

 

After settling into our hotel, we committed to the two things to do in Flagstaff we’d already been thinking about back home: walking the historic Route 66 corridor downtown and weaving that walk into a search for Flagstaff’s haunted past. This city is considered one of the most haunted in America, shaped by frontier violence, railroad disasters, and tragedies that left their mark on buildings still standing. Jay and I are drawn to places with that eerie edge. Years ago, we took a Jack the Ripper tour in London and loved the mix of history and darkness. Flagstaff isn’t as brutal as Whitechapel on London East end, but its stories come from real frontier-era heartbreak. Instead of foggy gas‑lit alleys, you get old brick hotels, shadowy back lanes off Route 66, and creaking 1900s architecture. Different setting, but same thrill of walking through history when the sun goes down.

 

Our walk’s standout moments were the hauntings at the Hotel Monte Vista. In Room 220, guests report cold hands grabbing their ankles and the smell of raw meat — tied to a man who once hung meat from the chandelier. Room 305 has a rocking chair that moves on its own every day. And many guests hear the Phantom Bellboy cheerfully announcing “room service” to an empty hallway. At the Weatherford Hotel, we learned about the newlyweds murdered on their wedding night. People staying in that room still hear screams, footsteps, and heavy furniture dragging.

 

After all that, we needed a drink, so we circled back to the Monte Vista lounge — another hotspot for ghost stories. The Phantom Bartender is known for whispering greetings and knocking glasses over. We didn’t witness anything, but the bartender told us her firsthand accounts of being haunted.

 

Well enough excitement for one day sweet dreams to all and to all a good night. Tomorrow we drive to Williams.

 

 

 

 

Homeward

Dear Blog

 

Bahamas Day 12 April 29^th At Sea

 

This is our final day at sea—and the last night of the cruises. Usually, in our experience, the ship marks the occasion with a big farewell celebration in the Theatre. The captain, the officers, and many of the staff take the stage to bid the guests farewell. This is where the crew members who usually work behind the scenes—cabin attendants, bartenders, cooks—finally get their moment in the spotlight. But MSC doesn’t do that.

 

MSC throws a few themed party nights — the White Hot Party, Italian Night which basically is a meal where they serve all the Italian comfort foods and 80’s night. Of course, the Gala night is a night to meet the captain and his officers. On our Gala night we never actually saw the Captain. In fact, we have only heard him a couple of times giving weather updates and nautical reports. I’m pretty sure no one understood — or cared — because of the heavy accent and the technical jargon, it felt like he was mostly reminding everyone that he knows what he’s doing.

 

On our last cruise on the NCL Bliss, we went to their captain’s party, but we never saw the captain, either.  I did, however, shake hands with the Food and Beverage Manager because I felt people were avoiding him, one, because he is hard to understand and two, I thought some may have experienced after effects of eating his Fish Curry.  That was the party I remember Jay and I being cornered with the Cruise Next Manager. The guy was easy to talk to, but then again, charming strangers is literally his full‑time job. The man could sell ice to a polar bear.

 

Tonight MSC theme night is “Celebrate the 80’s”. We didn’t go because somehow a party starting at 10:00 p.m. doesn’t work with our age or mindset, and tomorrow is a big travel day. Honestly, the only thing I truly remember about the 80’s is that it was a very long time ago. I’m not sure what we’re celebrating at this point. It was the decade of hair teased to the size of a basketball, shoulder pads that could double as flotation devices, everyone trying to moonwalk, and Cyndi Lauper reminding us that “girls just want to have fun” — as if that was some ground-breaking revelation.

 

It’s been a good cruise. Our first time on MSC, and after eight other cruise lines, I can confirm: this one has its own… personality. Every ship has its highs and lows. Some things go great; some things go completely off the rails. Like, how does an Italian ship go eleven nights without serving lasagna? How does a Caesar salad arrive looking like it survived a dressing monsoon? And who decided last night’s breadstick dipped in frosting and sprinkles qualified as dessert? And then there’s the Yacht Club — the fancy ‘you’re‑paying‑for‑the-privilege’ area — with zero umbrellas on the pool deck. Meanwhile, we’ve been gifted two bottles of vodka and three bottles of champagne in the room… which, combined, probably cost more than one umbrella. It’s the Bahamas. It’s sunny. It’s hot. This isn’t complicated.

 

But does any of that actually ruin a cruise? Nah, If it did, you’d be miserable everywhere — ocean or not. Nothing’s perfect. A vacation is supposed to be a break from real life — and this one was.

 

But I really would’ve liked some lasagna.

 

I write these stories because they help me stay connected to our experience — they make me pay attention to what’s happening around me, to the people, and to my own reactions and feelings.

 

Thank you for tuning in, reading along, and sharing your comments.